One Great Tip for a WDW Newbie

**Curious Alice** · 08-04-2012, 09:08 AM

If you had to give a newbie just one specific tip about going to WDW, what would it be?

Three rules for this thread:

1. You can't say anything about taking it slowly and not trying to do too much.

2. You can't give a tip that has already been mentioned in this thread, so look through the posts before posting your tip.

3. Only one tip per post, please!

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Here's my tip: Learn the FastPass system!

**WeDVC2009** · 08-04-2012, 09:27 AM

Stay in a hotel on property. It will keep the magic going through the entire trip.

**Freshee61** · 08-04-2012, 09:40 AM

Look for wdw promotion prices on line before booking your trip and then call wdw to try for a better price.

**Winkster** · 08-04-2012, 10:45 AM

Make ADRs at the 180 day mark or as soon as possible if later.

**dsyplanninmomma** · 08-04-2012, 11:13 AM

Pace yourself! Don't "over book" yourself with ADRs and jumping from park to park.

**txmomx2** · 08-04-2012, 11:58 AM

Give yourself an hour to get anywhere if you're using the buses.

**joanna71985** · 08-04-2012, 12:30 PM

You can get free cups of water from the quick-service restaurants (which is great on hot days).

**englanddg** · 08-04-2012, 03:39 PM

Show up 30 - 45 minutes early for the Magic Kingdom fireworks to snag a good seat.

**joanna71985** · 08-04-2012, 05:39 PM

If you want to meet the characters, know which ones you want to see and map out their locations (as certain characters can have long lines). Also, locations with multiple characters are great (TST for the princesses, Character Spot for the VIPs, ect).

**Zipadeedooda** · 08-04-2012, 06:09 PM

Avoid parks with morning EMHs.

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**englanddg** · 08-04-2012, 06:13 PM

Originally Posted by joanna71985

If you want to meet the characters, know which ones you want to see and map out their locations (as certain characters can have long lines). Also, locations with multiple characters are great (TST for the princesses, Character Spot for the VIPs, ect).

Separate tip, but related to this one.

Don't forget about Guest Services at the parks, as well as your Hotel Front Desk. They can help you find all the character spots, and give you tips on when and where to meet them, as well as answer all sorts of other questions!

I'm pretty sure there is a Guest Services booth near the ticketing kiosks at every park. I also know that MK and HS both have guest services inside the park. At MK, it's located in the Firehouse (to the left of Main Street right after you enter the park), and at HS it's in a kiosk where Sunset and Hollywood Blvd meet (just walk straight, and look off to the right for a small kiosk).

**ashley03242** · 08-04-2012, 07:03 PM

When visiting Epcot and Hollywood Studios go straight to Soarin' / Toy Story Mania to get a FastPass. The FastPasses for those attractions are often all distributed by midday and the queues will be huge.

**WeDVC2009** · 08-04-2012, 07:24 PM

Let all the cast members know if you're celebrating a special occasion by picking up a free pin from member services. Sometimes you'll receive special treatment or freebies.

**Connie Darnell** · 08-04-2012, 07:38 PM

The resorts at Disney are wonderful so try to find some time to enjoy all the ammenties your resort offers. Make sure the kids get enough rest. My husband caught a little boy who fell asleep and was falling off his chair while his mom was getting their dinner at The Crystal Palace. It was a good lesson for us when we take our grandkids.

**Freshee61** · 08-04-2012, 08:04 PM

Originally Posted by Connie Darnell

The resorts at Disney are wonderful so try to find some time to enjoy all the ammenties your resort offers. Make sure the kids get enough rest. My husband caught a little boy who fell asleep and was falling off his chair while his mom was getting their dinner at The Crystal Palace. It was a good lesson for us when we take our grandkids.

That is great advice connie!